Role of capsule in resistance to disinfectants, host antimicrobials and desiccation in Acinetobacter baumannii [Mechanisms of Resistance]

Acinetobacter baumannii strain AB5075 forms two cell types distinguished by their opaque (VIR-O) or translucent (AV-T) colonies. VIR-O cells possess a thicker capsule and are more resistant to a variety of stressors. However, the direct role of capsule in these stressors was unknown. This study demonstrates that capsule is required for resistance to disinfectants, lysozyme and desiccation in Acinetobacter baumannii. In addition, capsule is required for survival in a mouse lung model of infection.

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